House of Hollow

In what ways does Iris’s perspective of Grey change throughout the novel, and why? Compare Iris’s relationship with Grey at the beginning and end of the novel. Furthermore, how does Iris’s perspective of herself change upon learning more about Grey? Cite textual evidence in your answers.

Iris describes her and her sisters in one line: “Grey was lightning, Vivi was thunder and I was the sea in the tempest” (69). Do you agree or disagree with these metaphors? Why or why not?

Imagine if the novel were told from Iris, Vivi, and Grey’s perspectives. Choose one chapter and rewrite it from either Vivi or Grey’s perspective. How does your rewritten chapter change the tone and plot of the novel?

Sutherland uses extensive worldbuilding to explain the changeling sisters and the Halfway. Which examples of sensory or figurative language stood out to you, and why? How does this language contribute to the novel’s tone?

Many conflicts occur in the story, such as Grey and Gabe’s external conflict and Tyler’s internal conflict upon finding his sister Rosie in the Halfway. Which conflict is the most poignant to you, and why? Cite textual evidence in your answer.

Why do you believe Sutherland decided to have Tyler die? What was the emotional impact of this choice? Cite textual evidence in your answers.

Memory and Letting Go is a theme most reflected in the Halfway. In what ways do the Hollow sisters, Tyler, and other relevant characters embody this theme while navigating the Halfway? Pick 2-3 characters to discuss and cite textual evidence in your answers.

What do you think the repeated use of “bread crumbs” and “crumbs” symbolizes in the novel, and why? For example, Vivi equates the Halfway to the back of couches where crumbs fall.